George family gives $1 million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Robin and Gary George and family have donated $1 million toward Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s historic expansion project. The investment will enhance subspecialty care access for children across the region.

For over four decades, the George family of Springdale has played a pivotal role in advancing Arkansas Children’s system of care. In 2015, their generosity helped make Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) a reality through a land donation of 37.5 acres in Springdale from the families of Robin and Gary George and David and Cathy (George) Evans. The George family advocated for ACNW and promoted the new hospital, helping expand the philanthropic community.

In 2016, the family furthered their commitment with an additional $1 million gift toward ACNW’s construction, recognized through the naming of the Robin George Chapel at ACNW.

With their latest $1 million contribution to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), the chapel on the ACH campus in Little Rock also will be named the Robin George Chapel — a tribute to the family’s unwavering belief in the power of faith, healing and hope.

The George family’s journey with Arkansas Children’s began more than four decades ago when their son received life-saving emergency care, including heart surgery, at ACH.

“Throughout the years, at times of concern for family or children of friends, the chapel at Arkansas Children’s Hospital has been a source of great comfort,” said Robin George. “I met families from across the region who were also praying for children being served. I know firsthand how vital pastoral care is for families facing an uncertain diagnosis, and I know Arkansas Children’s gives families hope when they need it most.”

“We are honored to call the Georges friends and partners,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children’s. “They understand that the entire system of care forms a safety net for children. Their generous gift to support the expansion of Arkansas Children’s Hospital exemplifies their dedication to the mission of providing exceptional care to children across the region, and not only enhances our ability to deliver critical services but also strengthens the work between Springdale and Little Rock.”

Gary George serves on the Arkansas Children’s Inc. and Arkansas Children’s Northwest boards of directors and was a founding member of the ACNW Board of Directors. Robin George is a member of the Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors.

“We need every part of Arkansas Children’s to be the very best — the best in Little Rock, in Springdale, in Jonesboro and in Pine Bluff,” said Gary George. “It is an honor to support the mission of Arkansas Children’s. This gift to Arkansas Children’s Hospital reflects our deep gratitude and unwavering belief that every child should have access to the highest level of pediatric specialty care. Arkansas Children’s delivers that every day.”

Arkansas Children’s is in the midst of a $318 million expansion of facilities and services.